Hops, one of the main ingredients of beer, could contribute
effectively to the prevention of breast cancer. That’s what a
study by experts from the University of Illinois at Chicago (USA)
have recently discovered, and which has been published on Daily
& Sunday Express, a British newspaper.

Hops is a flower responsible for bitter,
spicy or citric flavors on beer and has been subjected
to investigations that relate to hormone levels in both men and
women, but the new study shows, apparently, that could activate
chemical compounds that inhibit tumor development.

Scientists applied hop extract to two different breast cell lines
to see the effect on the estrogen metabolism of cells, knowing
the fact that a slower metabolism increases the risk of breast
cancer.

The researchers found an ingredient of hops, called
6-prenylnarigenin (6-PN), which increases the rate of metabolism
of estrogen, thus further research could demonstrate the
effectiveness of this compound against cancer.

Compound 6-PN is a potent phytoestrogen that, when ingested,
feeds the activity of hormones. In fact, women who work with this
plant can have disruptions in their menstrual cycles. Also, it
has been tested as a treatment for postmenopausal women suffering
hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia.

The research team has also found another similar compound,
8-prenylnarigenin (8-PN), apparently less effective, but should
also be the subject of a further study.